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period. The seconds hand completes its journey around the dial in one minute but
the minutes hand takes one hour to complete one round trip. However, a pendulum
bob moves to and fro about a mean position and completes its motion from one
end to the other and back to its initial position in a fixed time. A motion which
13 repeats itself after a fixed interval of time is called periodic motion. There are
two types of periodic motion : (i) non–oscillatory, and (ii) oscillatory. The motion
of the hands of the clock is non-oscillatory but the to and fro motion of the
Notes Notes
pendulum bob is oscillatory. However, both the motions are periodic. It is important
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION to note that an oscillatory motion is normally periodic but a periodic motion is
not necessarily oscillatory. Remember that a motion which repeats itself in equal
intervals of time is periodic and if it is about a mean position, it is oscillatory.
We know that earth completes its rotation about its own axis in 24 hours and
days and nights are formed. It also revolves around the sun and completes its
You are now familiar with motion in a straight line, projectile motion and circular revolution in 365 days. This motion produces a sequence of seasons. Similarly all
motion. These are defined by the path followed by the moving object. But some the planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits and each completes its
objects execute motion which are repeated after a certain interval of time. For revolution in a fixed interval of time. These are examples of periodic non-oscillatory
example, beating of heart, the motion of the hands of a clock, to and fro motion motion.
of the swing and that of the pendulum of a bob are localised in space and repetitive
in nature. Such a motion is called periodic motion. It is universal phenomenon. Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier
In this lesson, you will study about the periodic motion, particularly the oscillatory (1768 – 1830)
motion which we come across in daily life. You will also learn about simple French Mathematician, best known for his Fourier series to
harmonic motion. Wave phenomena – types of waves and their characteristics– analyse a complex oscillation in the form of series of sine and
form the subject matter of the next lesson. consine functions.
Fourier studied the mathematical theory of heat conduction.
He established the partial differential equation governing heat diffusion and
OBJECTIVES solved it by using infinite series of trigonometric functions.

After studying this lesson, you should be able to : Born as the ninth child from the second wife of a taylor, he was orphened at
the age of 10. From the training as a priest, to a teacher, a revolutionary, a
z show that an oscillatory motion is periodic but a periodic motion may not be
mathematician and an advisor to Nepolean Bonapart, his life had many shades.
necessarily oscillatory;
z define simple harmonic motion and represent it as projection of uniform
He was a contemporary of Laplace, Lagrange, Biot, Poission, Malus, Delambre,
circular motion on the diameter of a circle; Arago and Carnot. Lunar crator Fourier and his name on Eiffel tower are
tributes to his contributions.
z derive expressions of time period of a given harmonic oscillator;

z derive expressions for the potential and kinetic energies of a simple harmoic
oscillator; and
z distinguish between free, damped and forced oscillations. ACTIVITY 13.1
Suppose that the displacement y of a particle, executing simple harmonic motion,
13.1 PERIODIC MOTION is represented by the equation :
You may have observed a clock and noticed that the pointed end of its seconds y = a sin θ (13.1)
hand and that of its minutes hand move around in a circle, each with a fixed
or y = a cos θ (13.2)

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From your book of mathematics, obtain the values of sin θ and cos θ for θ = 0,
300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2400, 3000, 3300 and 3600. Then assuming that a =
2.5cm, determine the values of y corresponding to each angle using the relation y
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.1
= a sin θ. Choose a suitable scale and plot a graph between y and θ. Similarly, 1. What is the difference between a periodic motion and an oscillatory motion?
using the relation y = a cosθ, plot another graph between y and θ. You will note
that both graphs represents an oscillation between +a and – a. It shows that a 2. Which of the following examples represent a periodic motion?
certain type of oscillatory motion can be represented by an expression containing (i) A bullet fired from a gun,
Notes Notes
sine or cosine of an angle or by a combination of such expressions.
(ii) An electron revolving round the nucleus in an atom
(iii) A vehicle moving with a uniform speed on a road
13.1.1 Displacement as a Function of Time
(iv) A comet moving around the Sun, and
Periodic Motion (v) Motion of an oscillating mercury column in a U-tube.
When an object repeats its motion after a definite interval of time, its motion 3. Give an example of (i) an oscillatory periodic motion and (ii)Non-oscillatory
is said to be periodic. periodic motion.
Let the position of an object change from O
to B, from B to O; then from O to A and 13.2 SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION : CIRCLE OF REFERENCE
finally from A to O, after a fixed interval of The oscillations of a harmonic oscillator can be represented by terms containing
A B
time T. O
sine and cosine of an angle. If the displacement of an oscillatory particle from its
Then, the changes in the position or mean position can be represented by an equation y = a sinθ or y = a cosθ or y =
displacement of the object can be expressed A sinθ + B cosθ, where a, A and B are constants, the particle executes simple
as a function of time: harmonic motion. We define simple harmonic motion as under :
Fig. 13.1
x = af(t + T) A particle is said to execute simple harmonic motion if it moves to and fro
where a is a constant and T is the time after which the value of x is repeated about a fixed point periodically, under the action of a force F which is directly
For each time interval T: proportional to its displacement x from the fixed point and the direction of the
force is opposite to that of the displacement. We shall restrict our discussion to
x = af(T) = 0 at t = 0 linear oscillations. Mathematically, we express it as
x = af(T + T/4) = a at t = T/4 F = – kx
⎛ T⎞ T where k is constant of proportionality.
x = af ⎜ T + ⎟ = 0 at t =
⎝ 2⎠ 2
Y(m)
Y
⎛ 3T ⎞ 3T
x = af ⎜ T + ⎟ = − a at t =
⎝ 4 ⎠ 4 P M
wt
x = af(T + T) = 0 at t = T
wt
...................................... X
a a X t(s)
O O T/4 T/2 3T/4 T
......................................
Thus, x is function of t and it repeats its motion after an interval T. Hence, the
motion is periodic. Y¢ –a

Now check your progress by answering the following questions. Fig. 13.2 : Simple harmonic motion of P is along YOY′

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To derive the equation of simple harmonic motion, let us consider a point M Amplitude is the maximum displacement of the oscillator on either side of its
moving with a constant speed v in a circle of radius a (Fig. 13.2) with centre O. mean position.
At t = 0, let the point be at X. The position vector OM specifies the position of Time period is the time taken by the oscillator to complete one oscillation. In
the moving point at time t,. It is obvious that the position vector OM, also called Fig. 13.1, OP, and OY respectively denote displacement and amplitude.
the phaser, rotates with a constant angular velocity ω = v /a. The acceleration of
the point M is v2/a = a ω2 towards the centre O. At time t, the component of this Frequency is the number of oscillations completed by an oscillator in one second.
acceleration along OY = aω2 sin ωt. Let us draw MP perpendicular to YOY′. It is denoted by v. The SI unit of frequency is hertz (symbol Hz). Since v is the
Notes Notes number of oscillations per second, the time taken to complete one oscillation is
Then P can be regarded as a particle of mass m moving with an acceleration aω2
sin ωt. The force on the particle P towards O is therefore given by 1/v. Hence T =1/v or v = (1/T) s–1. As harmonic oscillations can be represented by
expressions containing sinθ and or cosθ, we introduce two more important terms.
F = maω2 sin ωt
Phase φ is the angle whose sine or cosine at a given instant indicates the position
But sin ωt = y/a. Therefore and direction of motion of the oscillator. It is expressed in radians.
F = mω2y (13.3) Angular Frequency ω describes the rate of change of phase angle. It is expressed
The displacement is measured from O towards P and force is directed towards O. in radian per second. Since phase angle φ changes from 0 to 2π radians in one
Therefore, complete oscillation, the rate of change of phase angle is ω = 2π/T = 2π v or ω =
F = – mω2y 2πv.

Since this force is directed towards O, and is proportional to displacement ‘y’ of Example 13.1 : A tray of mass 9 kg is supported by a spring of force constant k
P from O. we can say that the particle P is executing simple harmonic motion. as shown in Fig. 13.3. The tray is pressed slightly downward and then released. It
begins to execute SHM of period 1.0 s. When a block of mass M is placed on the
Let us put mω2 = k, a constant. Then Eqn. (13.3) takes the form
tray, the period increases to 2.0 s. Calculate the mass of the block.
F =–ky (13.4)
Solution: The angular frequency of the system is given by ω = k / m , where m
The constant k, which is force per unit displacement, is called force constant.
The angular frequency of oscillations is given by is the mass of the oscillatory system. Since ω = 2π/T, from Eqn. (13.7) we get
ω2 = k / m (13.5) 4π2/T2 =
k M
m
In one complete rotation, OM describes an angle 2π and it takes time T to complete
one rotation. Hence kT 2
or m =
ω = 2π/T (13.6) 4π 2
k
On combining Eqns. (13.5) and (13.6), we get an expression for time period : When the tray is empty, m = 9 kg and T = 1s.Therefore

T = 2π k / m (13.7) k (1) 2
9 =
4π 2 Fig. 13.3
This is the time taken by P to move from O to Y, then through O to Y′ and back
to O. During this time, the particle moves once on the circle and the foot of On placing the block, m = 9 + M and T = 2 s. Therefore, 9 + M = k × (2)2/4π2
perpendicular from its position is said to make an oscillation about O as shown in From the above two equations we get
Fig.13.1.
(9 + M )
Let us now define the basic terms used to describe simple harmonic motion. =4
9
Therefore, M = 27 kg.
13.2.1 Basic Terms Associated with SHM
Example 13.2 : A spring of force constant 1600 N m–1 is mounted on a horizontal
Displacement is the distance of the harmonic oscillator from its mean (or
table as shown in Fig. 13.4. A mass m = 4.0 kg attached to the free end of the
equilibrium) position at a given instant.

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spring is pulled horizontally towards the right through a distance of 4.0 cm and position shown in Fig. 13.5 (iv). In this position, the block again experiences a
then set free. Calculate (i) the frequency (ii) maximum acceleration and (iii) force kx which tries to bring it back to the initial position [Fig. 13.5 v]. In this
maximum speed of the mass. way, the block continues oscillating about the mean position. The time period of
oscillation is 2π m / k , where k is the force per unit extension of the spring.
Solution : ω = k / m = 1600 / 4
Fig. 13.4
= 20 rad s–1. 13.3.2 Vertical Oscillations of a Spring–Mass System
Notes Notes
Therefore v = 20/2π = 3.18 Hz. Maximum acceleration = a ω2 = 0.04 × 400 = Let us suspend a spring of force constant k from a rigid support [Fig.13.6(a)].
16 m s–2, and vmax = a ω = 0.04 × 20 = 0.8 m s–1. Then let us attach a block of mass m to the free end of the spring. As a result of
this, the spring undergoes an extension, say l
13.3 EXAMPLES OF SHM [Fig.13.6(b)]. Obviously, the force constant of the
spring is k = mg/l. Let us now pull down the block
In order to clarify the concept of SHM, some very common examples are given through a small distance, y (Fig.13.6 (c)]. A force ky
below. acts on the block vertically upwards. Therefore, on
releasing the block, the force ky pulls it upwards. As
13.3.1 Horizontal Oscillations of a Spring-Mass System the block returns to its initial position, it continues
Consider a elastic spring of force constant k placed on a smooth horizontal surface moving upwards on account of the velocity it has
l¢ y
and attached to a block P of mass m. The other end of the spring is attached to a gained. It overshoots the equilibrium position by a
rigid wall (Fig. 13.5)). Suppose that the mass of the spring is negligible in distance y. The compressed spring now applies on it (a) (b) (c)
comparison to the mass of the block. a restoring force downwards. The block moves
Fig. 13.6: Vertical
downwards and again overshoots the equilibrium
m oscillations of a a spring–
P position by almost the same vertical distance y. Thus, mass system
(i) the system continues to execute vertical oscillations.
P
The angular frequency of vertical oscillations is
(ii)
kx 2π k
P ω = =
(iii)
x
T m

P m
(iv)
Hence T = 2π (13.8)
P k
(v)
kx This result shows that acceleration due to gravity does not influence vertical
oscillations of a spring–mass system.
Fig.13.5 : Oscillations of a spring-mass system
Galileo Galilei
Let us suppose that there is no loss of energy due to air resistance and friction. (1564-1642)
We choose x–axis along the horizontal direction. Initially, that is, at t = 0, the
block is at rest and the spring is in relaxed condition [Fig.13.5(i)]. It is then pulled Son of Vincenzio Galilei, a wool merchant in Pisa, Italy, Galileo
horizontally through a small distance [Fig. 13.5 (ii)]. As the spring undergoes an is credited for initiating the age of reason and experimentation
extension x, it exerts a force kx on the block. The force is directed against the in modern science. As a child, he was interested in music, art
extension and tends to restore the block to its equilibrium position. As the block and toy making. As a young man, he wanted to become a doctor.
returns to its initial position [Fig. 13.5 (iii)], it acquires a velocity v and hence a To pursue the study of medicine, he entered the University of
kinetic energy K = (1/2) m v2. Owing to inertia of motion, the block overshoots Pisa. It was here that he made his first discovery - the isochronosity of a
the mean position and continues moving towards the left till it arrives at the pendulum, which led Christian Huygen to construct first pendulum clock.

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For lack of money, Galileo could not complete his studies, but through his cosθ balances the tension T and the component mg sinθ produces acceleration in
efforts, he learnt and developed the subject of mechanics to a level that the the bob in the direction of the mean position. The restoring force, therefore, is
Grand Duke of Tuscany appointed him professor of mathematics at the mg sinθ. For small displacement x of the bob, the restoring force is F = mgθ = mg
University of Pisa. x/l. The force per unit displacement k = mg/l and hence

Galileo constructed and used telescope to study celestial objects. Through his k mg / l g
ω = = =
observations, he became convinced that Copernican theory of heliocentric m m l
universe was correct. He published his convincing arguments in the form of a Notes Notes
book, “A Dialogue On The Two Principal Systems of The World”, in the year 2π g
1632. The proposition being at variance with the Aristotelian theory of or =
T l
geocentric universe, supported by the Church, Galileo was prosecuted and
had to apologize. But in 1636, he published another book “Dialogue On Two l
New Sciences” in which he again showed the fallacy in Aristotle’s laws of Hence, T = 2π (13.9)
g
motion.
Because sophisticated measuring devices were not available in Galileo’s time, Measuring Weight using a Spring
he had to apply his ingenuity to perform his experiments. He introduced the We use a spring balance to measure weight of a body. It is based on the
idea of thought-experiments, which is being used even by modern scientists, assumption that within a certain limit of load, there is equal extension for
in spite of all their sophisticated devices. equal load, i.e., load/extension remains constant (force constant). Therefore,
extension varies linearly with load. Thus you can attach a linear scale alongside
13.3.3 Simple Pendulum the spring and calibrate it for known load values. The balance so prepared
A simple pendulum is a small can be used to measure unknown weights.
spherical bob suspended by a long
Will such a balance work in a gravity free space, as in a space-rocket or in a
cotton thread held between the two
satellite? Obviously not becuase in the absence of gravity, no extension occurs
halves of a clamped split cork in a
in the spring. Then how do they measure mass
stand,as shown in Fig. 13.7. The bob
q of astronauts during regular health check up?
is considered a point mass and the
string is taken to be inextensible. The It is again a spring balance based on a different
Pendulum can oscillate freely about principle. The astronaut sits on a special chair
the point of suspension. with a spring attached to each side (Fig.13.8). Fig. 13.8 : Spring balance for
measuring the mass of an
The time period of oscillations of the chair
When the pendulum is displaced astronaut
T with and without the astronaut is determined
through a small distance from its with the help of an electronic clock :
equilibrium position and then let free,
it executes angular oscillations in a mg sinq q mg cosq 4π2m
mg T12 =
vertical plane about its equilibrium k
position. The distance between the where m is mass of the astronaut. If m0 is mass of the chair, we can write
point of suspension and the centre Fig.13.7 : Simple Pendulum
of gravity of the bob defines the 4π 2 m0
T02 =
length of the pendulum. The forces acting on the bob of the pendulum in the k
displaced position shown in Fig. 13.7 are : (i) the weight of the bob mg vertically T1 is time period of ocillation of the chair with the astronaut and T0 without
downwards, and (ii) tension in the string T acting upwards along the string. the astronaut.
The weight mg is resolved in two components : (a) mg cosθ along the string but On subtracting one from another, we get
opposite to T and (b) mg sinθ perpendicular to the string. The component mg

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2 2
4π 2
T –T
1 0 = (m – mo)
k C
k R
r q
⇒ m = ( T 2 – T02 ) + mo
4π2 1 in q
mg s mg l
Because the values of T0 and k are fixed and known, a measure of T1 itself co
sq
O mg Y k k
shows the variation in mass. Notes Notes

Example 13.3 : Fig. 13.9 shows an oscillatory system comprising two blocks of Fig. 13.10 Fig.13.11 Fig. 13.12
masses m1 and m2 joined by a massless spring of spring constant k. The blocks are
pulled apart, each with a force of 3. Calculate the frequency of oscillation of the mass m connected to two rubber
m1 m2
magnitude F and then released. Calculate bands as shown in Fig. 13.12. The force constant of each band is k. (Fig.
the angular frequency of each mass. 13.12)
Assume that the blocks move on a Fig. 13.9 : Oscillatory system of masses
smooth horizontal plane. attached to a spring 13.4 ENERGY OF SIMPLE HARMONIC OSCILLATOR
Solution : Let x1 and x2 be the displacements of the blocks when pulled apart. As you have seen, simple harmonic motion can be represented by the equation
The extension produced in the spring is x1 + x2. Thus the acceleration of m1 is k (x1 y = a sin ωt (13.11)
+ x2)/m1 and acceleration of m2 is k(x1 + x2)/m2. Since the same spring provides
the restoring force to each mass, hence the net acceleration of the system When t changes to t + Δ t, y changes to y + Δy. Therefore, we can write
comprising of the two masses and the massless spring equals the sum of the y + Δ y = a sinω (t + Δt) = a sin (ωt + ωΔt)
acceleration produced in the two masses. Thus the acceleration of the system is
= a [sinωt cos ωΔt + cosωt sin ωΔt]
k ( x1 + x2 ) kx
a= = μ As Δt → 0, cos ωΔt → 1 and sin ω Δt → ω Δt. Then
⎛ 1 1 ⎞
⎜ + ⎟
⎝ m1 m2 ⎠ y + Δy = a sin ωt + a ωΔt cos ωt. (13.12)
where x = x1 + x2 is the extension of the spring and μ is the reduced mass of the Subtracting Eqn. (13.11) from Eqn. (13.12), we get
system. The angular frequency of each mass of the system is therefore,
Δy = Δt ωa cos ωt
ω = k /μ (13.10)
so that Δy/Δt = ωa cos ωt
Such as analysis helps us to understand the vibrations of diatomic molecules like
H2, Cl2, HCl, etc. or v = ωa cost ωt (13.13)
where v = Δy/Δt is the velocity of the oscillator at time t. Hence, the kinetic
energy of the oscillator at that instant of time is
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.2 K = (1/2) mv2 = (1/2) ω2a2 cos2 ωt (13.14)
1. A small spherical ball of mass m is placed in contact with the sunface on a Let us now calculate the potential energy of the oscillator at that time. When the
smooth spherical bowl of radius r a little away from the bottom point. Calculate displacement is y, the restoring force is ky, where k is the force constant. For this
the time period of oscillations of the ball (Fig. 13.10). purpose we shall plot a graph of restoring force ky versus the displacement y. We
get a straight line graph as shown in Fig. 13.13. Let us take two points P and Q
2. A cylinder of mass m floats vertically in a liquid of density ρ. The length of
the cylinder inside the liquid is l. Obtain an expression for the time period of and drop perpendiculars PM and QN on x–axis. As points P and Q are close to
its oscillations (Fig. 13.11). each other, trapezium PQNM can be regarded as a rectangle. The area of this

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rectangular strip is (ky Δy). This area equals the
work done against the restoring force ky when
the displacement changes by a small amount Δy.
C INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.3
PQ
The area of the triangle OBC is, therefore, equal ky 1. Is the kinetic energy of a harmonic oscillator maximum at its equilibrium

F
to the work done in the time displacement changes position or at the maximum displacement position? Where is its acceleration
maximum?
1 2 y
from O to OB (= y) = ky . This work done O MN B 2. Why does the amplitude of a simple pendulum decrease with time? What
2 y Notes Notes
happens to the energy of the pendulum when its amplitude decreases?
against the conservative force is the potential Fig.13.13 : Graph between the
energy U of the oscillator. Thus, the potential displacement y and the restoring
energy of the oscillator when the displacement is force ky 13.5 DAMPED HARMONIC OSCILLATIONS
y is Every oscillating system normally has a viscous medium surrounding it. As a
result in each oscillation some of its energy is dissipated as heat. As the energy of
1 2 oscillation decreases the amplitude of oscillation also decreases. The amplitude
U = ky
2 of oscillations of a pendulum in air decreases continuously. Such oscillations are
called damped oscillations. To understand damped oscillations perform activity
But ω2 = k/m. Therefore, substituting k = mω2 in above expression we get
13.2.
1
U = mω2y2
2
Further as y = a sin ωt, we can write
Activity 13.2
Take a simple harmonic oscillator comprising a metal block B suspended from a
1 fixed support S by a spring G. (Fig. 13.15(a). Place a tall glass cylinder filled two
U = mω2a2sin2ωt (13.15)
2 thirds with water, so that the block is about 6 cm below the surface of water and
On combining this result with Eqn. (13.14), we find that total energy of the about the same distance above the bottom of the beaker. Paste a millimetre scale
oscillator at any instant is given by (vertically) on the side of the cylinder just opposite the pointer attached to the
E =U+K block. Push the block a few centimetres downwards and then release it. After
each oscillation, note down the uppermost position of the pointer on the millimetre
1
= mω2a2 (sin2ωt + cos2ωt) scale and the time. Then plot a graph between time and the amplitude of
2 oscillations. Does the graph [Fig. 13.15 (b)] show that the amplitude decreases
1 with time. Such oscillations are said to be damped oscillations.
= ma2ω2 (13.16)
2 S
E G
The graph of kinetic energy K, potential energy
U and the total energy E versus displacement y E
is shown in Fig.13.14. From the graph it is evident K
that for y = 0, K = E and U = 0. As the
U
displacement y from the mean position increases,

y (t)
B t (s)
the kinetic energy decreases but potential energy
a O a
increases. At the mean position, the potential –y y
energy is zero but kinetic energy is maximum. At Fig.13.14 : Variation of potential
the extreme positions, the energy is wholly energy U, kinetic energy K, and
(a) (b)
potential. However, the sum K + U = E is total energy E with displacement
from equilibrium position Fig. 13.15 : Damped vibrations : (a) experimental setup; (b) graphical representation
constant.

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13.6 FREE AND FORCED VIBRATIONS : RESONANCE
To understand the difference between these phenomena, let us perform the INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.4
following activity : 1. When the stem of a vibrating tuning fork is pressed against the top of a table,
a loud sound is heard. Does this observation demonstrate the phenomenon
of resonance or forced vibrations? Give reasons for your answer. What is the
ACTIVITY 13.3 Notes cause of the loud sound produced?
Notes
Take a rigid horizontal rod fixed at both ends. Tie a loose but strong thread and 2. Why are certain musical instruments provided with hollow sound boards or
hang the four pendulums A,B,C,D, as shown in Fig. 13.16. The pendulums A and sound boxes?
B are of equal lengths, whereas C has a shorter and D has a longer length than A
and B. The pendulum B has a heavy bob. Set pendulum B into oscillations. You Mysterious happenings and resonance
will observe that after a few minutes, the other three pendulums also begin to
1. Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridge, Washington, USA collapsed during
oscillate. (It means that if a no. of oscillators are coupled, they transfer their
energy. This has an extremely important a storm within six months of its opening in 1940. The wind blowing in
implication for wave propagation.) You gusts had frequency equal to the natural frequency of the bridge. So it
will note that the amplitude of A is larger. swayed the bridge with increasing amplitude. Ultimately a stage was reached
Why? Each pendulum is an oscillatory where the structure was over stressed and it collapsed.
system with natural frequency of its own. The events of suspension bridge collapse also happened when groups of
The pendulum B, which has a heavy bob, C marching soldiers crossed them. That is why, now, the soldiers are ordered
transmits its vibrations to each of the A B to break steps while crossing a bridge.
pendulums A, C and D. As a consequence, D
the pendulums C and D are forced to Fig. 13.16: Vibrations and resonance. The factory chimneys and cooling towers set into oscillations by the wind
oscillate not with their respective natural and sometimes get collapsed.
frequency but with the frequency of the pendulum B. The phenomenon is called
2. You might have heard about some singers with mysterious powers. Actually,
forced oscillation. By holding the bob of any one of these pendulums, you can
no such power exists. When they sing, the glasses of the window panes in
force it to oscillate with the frequency of C or of D. Both C and D are forced to
the auditorium are broken. They just sing the note which matches the natural
oscillate with the frequency of B. However, pendulum A on which too the
oscillations of the pendulums B are impressed, oscillates with a relatively large frequency of the window panes.
amplitude with its natural frequency. This phenomenon is known as resonance. 3. You might have wondered how you catch a particular station you are
When the moving part of an oscillatory system is displaced from its equilibrium interested in by operating the tuner of your radio or TV? The tuner in fact,
position and then set free, it oscillates to and fro about its equilibrium position is an electronic oscillator with a provision of changing its frequency. When
with a frequency that depends on certain parameters of the system only. Such the frequency of the tuner matches the frequency transmitted by the specific
oscillations are known as free vibrations. The frequency with which the system station, resonance occurs and the antenna catches the programme
oscillates is known as natural frequency. When a body oscillates under the broadcasted by that station.
influence of an external periodic force, the oscillations are called forced
oscillations. In forced oscillations, the body ultimately oscillates
with the frequency of the external force. The oscillatory system on which the
oscillations are impressed is called driven and the system which applies the WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT
oscillating force is known as the driver. The particular case of forced oscillations z Periodic motion is a motion which repeats itself after equal intervals of time.
in which natural frequencies of the driver and the driven are equal is known as
resonance. In resonant oscillations, the driver and the driven reinforce each other’s z Oscillatory motion is to and fro motion about a mean position. An oscillatory
oscillations and hence their amplitudes are maximum. motion is normally periodic but a periodic motion may not necessarily be
oscillatory.

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Oscillations and Waves Oscillations and Waves

z Simple harmonic motion is to and fro motion under the action of a restoring 6. Why is the time period of a simple pendulum independent of the mass of the
force, which is proportional to the displacement of the particle from its bob, when the period of a simple harmonic oscillator is T = 2π m / k ?
equilibrium position and is always directed towards the mean position.
z Time period is the time taken by a particle to complete one oscillation. 7. When is the magnitude of acceleration of a particle executing simple harmonic
motion maximum? When is the restoring force maximum?
z Frequency is the number of vibrations completed by the oscillator in one
second. 8. Show that simple harmonic motion is the projection of a uniform circular
z Phase angle is the angle whose sine or cosine at the given instant indicates the Notes Notes motion on a diameter of the circle. Obtain an expression for the time period
position and direction of motion of the particle. of a simple harmonic oscillator in terms of mass and force constant.
z Angular frequency is the rate of change of phase angle. Note that ω = 2π/T = 9. Obtain expressions for the instantaneous kinetic energy potential energy and
2πv where ω is the angular frequency in rads–1, v is the frequency in hertz the total energy of a simple harmonic oscillator.
(symbol : Hz) and T is the time period in seconds.
10. Show graphically how the potential energy U, the kinetic energy K and the
z Equation of simple harmonic motion is total energy E of a simple harmonic oscillator vary with the displacement
y = a sin (ωt + φ0) from equilibrium position.
or y = a cos (ωt + φ0) 11. The displacement of a moving particle from a fixed point at any instant is
where y is the displacement from the mean position at a time, φ0 is the initial given by x = a cos ωt + b sin ωt. Is the motion of the particle simple harmonic?
phase angle (at t = 0). If your answer is no, explain why? If your answer is yes, calculate the amplitude
of vibration and the phase angle.
z When an oscillatroy system vibrates on its own, its vibrations are said to be
free. If, however, an oscillatory system is driven by an external system, its 12. A simple pendulum oscillates with amplitude 0.04 m. If its time period is 10 s,
vibrations are said to be forced vibrations. And if the frequency of the driver calculate the maximum velocity.
equals to the natural frequency of the driven, the phenomenon of resonance is
said to occur. 13. Imagine a ball dropped in a frictionless tunnel cut across the earth through its
centre. Obtain an expression for its time period in terms of radius of the earth
and the acceleration due to gravity.
14. Fig. 13.17 shows a block of mass m = 2 kg connected to two springs, each of
TERMINAL EXERCISE
force constant k = 400 N m–1. The block is displaced by 0.05 m from equilibrium
1. Distinguish between a periodic and an oscillatory motion. position and then released. Calculate (a) The angular frequency ω of the block,
(b) its maximum speed; (c) its maximum
2. What is simple harmonic motion?
acceleration; and total energy dissipated
3. Which of the following functions represent (i) a simple harmonic motion (ii) against damping when it comes to rest.
a periodic but not simple harmonic (iii) a non periodic motion? Give the
period of each periodic motion. Fig.13.17

(1) sin ωt + cos ωt (2) 1 + ω + ωt

2

π ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

(3) 3 cos (ωt – )
4
13.1
4. The time period of oscillations of mass 0.1 kg suspended from a Hooke’s
spring is 1s. Calculate the time period of oscillation of mass 0.9 kg when 1. A motion which repeats itself after some fixed interval of time is a periodic
suspended from the same spring. motion. A to and fro motion on the same path is an oscillatory motion. A
periodic motion may or may not be oscillatory but oscillation motion is perodic.
5. What is phase angle? How is it related to angular frequency?

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2. (ii), (iv), (v); Answers to Terminal Problems
3. (i) To and fro motion of a pendulum. 4. 3s

(ii) Motion of a planet in its orbit. ⎛a⎞

11. A = a + b , θ = tan ⎜ ⎟
2 2 –1

⎝ ⎠
b
13.2
1. Return force on the ball when displaced a distance x from the equilibrium Notes Notes 2
12. × 10 – 3 m s –1
π
position is mg sin θ = mg θ = mg x/r. ∴ ω = g/r .
14. (a) 14.14 s– 1
2. On being pushed down through a distance y, the cylinder experiences an
(b) 0.6 m s–1
αρg
upthrust yαρg. Therefore ω = and m = αpρ. From the law of flotation
2
m (c) 0.3 m s– 2
m = mass of black. Hence, ω2 = g/l or T = 2π l/g . (d) 0.5 J

3. ω2 = k/m and hence v = 1/2π k / m . Note that when the mass is displaced,
only one of the bands exerts the restoring force.

13.3
1. K.E is maximum at mean position or equilibrium position; acceleration is
maximum when displacement is maximum.
2. As the pendulum oscillates it does work against the viscous resistance of air
and friction at the support from which it is suspended. This work done is
dissipated as heat. As a consequence the amplitude decreases.

13.4
1. When an oscillatory system called the driver applies is periodic of force on
another oscillatory system called the driven and the second system is forced
to oscillate with the frequency of the first, the phenomenon is known as forced
vibrations. In the particular case of forced vibrations in which the frequency
of the driver equals the frequency of the driven system, the phenomenon is
known as resonance.
2. The table top is forced to vibrate not with its natural frequency but with the
frequency of the tuning fork. Therefore, this observation demonstrates forced
vibrations. Since a large area is set into vibrations, the intensity of the sound
increases.
3. The sound board or box is forced to vibrate with the frequency of the note
produced by the instrument. Since a large area is set into vibrations, the intensity
of the note produced increases and its duration decreases.

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